Quality Seed | Quality Life
November 2023 Newsletter
Dear esteemed APSA members, colleagues, associates and friends,
We trust all of our Asian Seed Congress 2023 delegates have all arrived safely back home following what was an epic and memorable week in Christchurch
A quick recap of some of the week’s highlights:
From 20-24 November, APSA, with the New Zealand Grain and Seed Trade Association welcomed more than 1,100 delegates from more than 40 countries around the world for our 28th Asian Seed Congress, which was our first Asian Seed Congress in New Zealand, and Christchurch’s first international industry conference of this scale.
Caption: Our Inaugural Ceremony on 20 November was presided over by APSA president Dr. Manish Patel; New Zealand Grain and Seed Trade Association president Mrs. Charlotte Connolley; Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger and the chief science advisor Chief Science Adviser at New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
During the week, we had trading, meetings, exhibition, technical demonstrations and lectures (see below), entertainment, culture and all the other magical elements that make the Asian Seed Congress the region’s premier seed industry event.
APSA also held its annual general meeting on November 23, when members reviewed finances, activities and plans moving forward; agreed to adopt a new Code of Conduct; re-elected Dr. Sumitra Kantrong from Thailand as an executive committee member; revealed our recently-hired executive director, Francine Sayoc; and announced the host of the 2025 Asian Seed Congress (see news below for more details).
[thumbnail of AGM highlight photo, Teck Wa at podium, and/or slide of Francine announcement if have]
Delegates also got the opportunity to visit seed R&D, production, processing and distribution facilities sites in New Zealand’s fertile Canterberry plains – the country’s primary agricultural production region.
During our Grand Banquet on November 24, APSA and NZGSTA honored two outstanding seedsmen recipients of the annual APSA Award, which went to John McKay and the late Ross Smith.
John McKay and the late Ross Smith were celebrated for their lifelong achievement and contribution in elevating the New Zealand, and thus regional and global seed sector.
Overall it was an astounding success, and APSA Secretariat will be sending delegates a post-Congress survey by tomorrow, along with a link to download all the beautiful photographic memories. The full wrap-up and report will be covered in APSA’s 2023 Annual Review and the next edition of the Asian Seed magazine. See also our current issue, which can be downloaded below, for more details about this year’s host country.
In this newsletter, you can also find some more news and details about the Congress, and other upcoming events, news and information herein.
Finally, a huge thank you to all of the delegates, partners, stakeholders and sponsors who made our 2023 Asian Seed Congress a raging success!
Yours Truly
Akona
APSA AI acting executive assistant
THANK YOU to our digital media sponsors
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2023 APSA Solanaciars Thank God It’s Friday - Session 4
On Friday, 8 December 2023, ASPA will be holding the last and final Session 4 of the 2023 APSA Solanaciars Thank God It’s Friday Webinar. This session will focus on Bacterial Wilt of Tomato: Challenges and Progress and will feature 2 guest speakers; Dr. C. Narayanankutty, Associate Dean, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University; and Dr. R. Ramesh, Principal Scientist (Plant Pathology), ICAR – Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute. For more details on event agenda, speaker profile and how to register, please visit https://web.apsaseed.org/events/2023-apsa-solanaciars-tgif-session-4
Asian Seed Congress 2024 signing ceremony
Mike Kingapayom
APSA Event Manager
Standing Committees and Special Interest Groups
On behalf of APSA, we would like to convey a sincere appreciation to the successful of APSA Congress Workshop, Technical Sessions and Techno Commercial Demonstration during the Asian Seed Congress November 20-23, 2023 at Te Pae Convention Center, Christchurch, New Zealand. Let us see nice group photos to celebrate this success!
APSA Congress Workshop, November 20, 2023
From left: Mr. Chris Barnaby, PVP Manager, Plant Variety Rights Office, Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Ms. Emma Brown, General Manager Plant Varieties, New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Ms. Heidi Jade, Intangible Asset Manager, Zespri International Ltd., Dr. Shivendra Bajaj, Technical Advisor, Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA), Dr. Jai Singh, President & CEO, Sakata Seed India Pvt. Ltd., Dr. Ruixi Han, Deputy Director, New Plant Variety Testing Division, Development Center of Science and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China (MARA), Mr. Francois Burgaud, Co-Chair, APSA Standing Committee for IPR & Biodversity, Dr. Arvind Kapur, Chair, APSA Standing Committee for IPR & Biodversity, Dr. Khaoula Belhaj-Fragnière, Regulatory Affairs Manager, International Seed Federation (ISF)
And special thanks to Mr. Martin Ekvad, Director of Legal Affairs, International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) and Mr. Marc Cool, Global Seed Policy Lead, Corteva Agriscience for online presentations.
APSA Special Interest Group on Vegetables & Ornamentals technical session, November 21, 2023
From left: Mr Takahiro Ando, Chair, APSA Working Group of Integrated Vegetable Seed Companies (WIC), Mr. Rahul Ashok Pagar, Chair, APSA Special Interest Group for Vegetables & Ornamentals, Ms. Linda Chang, Co–Chair, APSA Special Interest Group for Vegetables & Ornamentals, Dr. Genevieve Ow, Director of the Research Planning Department, Science & Technology Division, Singapore Food Agency, Dr. Shivendra Bajaj, Technical Advisor, Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA), Mr. Grant Smith, Managing Director, Smith Seeds
And special thanks to Mr. Surya Rao Rongali, Lead, Seed & Traits Regulatory, Syngenta India Private Limited for an online presentation.
APSA Standing Committee for International Trade & Quarantine technical session, November 21, 2023
From left: Mr. John Mizicko, Co-Chair, APSA Standing Committee for International Trade & Quarantine, Dr. Mary Ann Sayoc, Chair, APSA Standing Committee for International Trade & Quarantine, Dr. Samuel Crowell, Senior Director, International Programs and Policy, American Seed Trade Association (ASTA)
Ms. Thelma Soriano, Director, Seed Regulatory Affairs, CropLife Asia, Dr. Khaoula Belhaj-Fragnière, Regulatory Affairs Manager, International Seed Federation (ISF), Dr. Shivendra Bajaj, Technical Advisor, Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA), Dr. Sarah Clark, Manager, Plant Germplasm Imports, Animal and Plant Health, Biosecurity New Zealand, Ministry for Primary Industries, Mr. John Randall, Principal Adviser, Plant Exports, Animal and Plant Health, Biosecurity New Zealand, Ministry for Primary Industries
APSA Special Interest Group for Field Crops technical session, November 21, 2023
From left: Dr. Frisco M. Malabanan, Member, APSA Special Interest Group for Field Crops, Dr. MD Ali Afzal, Co–Chair, APSA Special Interest Group for Field Crops, Dr. B. S. Vivek, Regional Maize Breeding Coordinator (Asia) and Principal Scientist, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)
Dr. Chua Kim Aik, Chair, APSA Special Interest Group for Field Crops, Dr. Ajay Panchbhai, Regional Breeding, Seed Systems and Product Management Lead – Africa, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) ILRI Campus, Nairobi, Kenya, Dr. Shivendra Bajaj, Technical Advisor, Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA), Mr. Chris Ojiewo, OneCGIAR Seed Equal Initiative Lead
And special thanks to Dr. Fan Xingming, Chief Scientist of Institute of Food Crops (IFC), Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences (YAAS) for an online presentation.
APSA Techno Commercial Demonstration session, November 22, 2023
From left: Ms. Kunaporn Phuntunil, APSA Technical Coordination Manager, Dr. Rob Pronk, Global Marketing Manager, Incotec Group BV, Co-chair, Seed Related Innovations Committee, International Seed Federation (ISF), Dr Sandeep Jadli, Chair, APSA Standing Committee for Seed Technology
Mr Farhan Tahir, Co–Chair, APSA Standing Committee for Seed Technology, Dr. Tomoko Sakata, Members, APSA Standing Committee on Seed Technology, R&T Manager APAC, Incotec - Seed Enhancement, Mr. R. K. Goyal, Managing Director, Verdesian Life Sciences LLC, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia & NZ, Dr. Manish Patel, APSA President and member of APSA Standing Committee for Seed Technology, Mr. Hariom Singh, Business Lead –Southeast Asia, ANZ, Verdesian Life Sciences LLC,, Mr. Maximilian Mayer, Sales and Project Manager Data Management, Wintersteiger Seedmech GmbH.), Mr. Daniel Trost, Area Sales Manager, Wintersteiger Seedmech GmbH.
APSA Standing Committee for IPR & Biodiversity technical session, November 22, 2023
From left: Dr Gabriel O. Romero, member, APSA Standing Committee for Intellectual Property Rights & Biodiversity, Ms. Zhu Gaoming, Way Seed , Dr Kanokwan Chodchoey, member, APSA Standing Committee for Intellectual Property Rights & Biodiversity, Dr. Yoori Kim, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, ToolGen Inc., Mr. Manabu Suzuki, Technical/Regional Officer (Asia), International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), Dr. Arvind Kapur, Chair, APSA Standing Committee for Intellectual Property Rights & Biodiversity, Mr. Francois Burgaud, Co-Chair, APSA Standing Committee for IPR & Biodversity, Dr. Jacquie Broadhead, PVR Examiner, Plant Variety Rights Office, Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Christchurch, Ms. Thelma Soriano, Director, Seed Regulatory Affairs, CropLife Asia, Dr. Shivendra Bajaj, Technical Advisor, Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA)
And special thanks to Mr. Fabrice Mattei, Patent Attorney & Head of Patent Group, Principal of ROUSE & Co. International (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Member of APSA SC IPR & Biodiversity and Mr. Marc Cool, Global Seed Policy Lead, Corteva Agriscience and and Member of APSA SC IPR & Biodiversity for online presentations.
APSA Standing Committee for Seed Technology technical session, November 23, 2023
From left: Dr Sandeep Jadli, Chair, APSA Standing Committee for Seed Technology, Mr Farhan Tahir, Co–Chair, APSA Standing Committee for Seed Technology, Mr. R. K. Goyal, Managing Director, Verdesian Life Sciences LLC, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia & NZ, Dr. Shivendra Bajaj, Technical Advisor, Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA), Dr. Lulu Rodriguez, Interim Director, Seed Science Center, Iowa State University , Dr. Tomoko Sakata, Members, APSA Standing Committee on Seed Technology, R&T Manager APAC, Incotec - Seed Enhancement, Dr. Melanie Blanca-Ocreto, Technical Lead and Product Manager, GrainPro, Dr. Rob Pronk, Global Marketing Manager, Incotec Group BV, Co-chair, Seed Related Innovations Committee, International Seed Federation (ISF), That's all for now for the SC/SIG updates. Thank you very much and stay tuned for more updates next month.
Kunaporn Phuntunil
APSA Technical Coordination Manager
AustraliaInvasive Fire Ants Threaten NSW: 25 Nov: Fire ants have been detected in New South Wales (NSW), marking their first known incursion beyond the Queensland border.
West Australian Agriculture Boosts State Economy: 23 Nov: The agricultural sector in Western Australia, worth $84.9 billion, drove a 3.5% growth in the state's economy last year, marked by a 7.3% increase in agriculture from 2021-2022. . . .
NSW Invests in Biocontrol to Tackle Invasive Weeds: 22 Nov: The NSW Government is allocating nearly $500,000 to a biocontrol program targeting two Weeds of National Significance. . . .
Revolutionizing Agriculture with Solar Power: 1 Nov: Agrivoltaics, combining agriculture with solar energy, is gaining traction in Australia as a sustainable response to climate change. . .
More from Australia seed industry news
BangladeshBangladesh's Transforming Agricultural Landscape: 22 Nov: Agritech startups are revolutionizing the agricultural sector by addressing long-standing challenges faced by farmers. . . .
Rajshahi's Summer Tomato Farming Success: 18 Nov: In Rajshahi, Bangladesh, summer tomato farming is proving lucrative, with farmers like Abul Hossain earning over Taka 1.5 lakh (around $1,765 USD) from just 0.33 acres of land. . . .
More from Bangladesh seed industry news
CambodiaBoosting Climate Resilience in Cambodian Agriculture: 7 Nov: Cambodia has launched the PEARL project to improve climate resilience among smallholder farmers in the Northern Tonle Sap Basin. . . .
Boosting Rice Quality with Pure Seed Initiative: 7 Nov: Cambodia's Ministry of Agriculture is advancing the use of pure seeds, particularly the Phka Rumduol variety, to improve rice quality and marketability. . . .
SKO Rice Wins Gold, Enhancing Global Market Reach: 2 Nov: Cambodia's Sen Kra Ob (SKO) rice recently clinched the gold award at the China-ASEAN High-Quality Indica Rice competition, boosting its international market appeal. . . .
More from Cambodia seed industry news
ChinaWinter Farming Underway: 23 Nov: Across China, winter farming is bustling with diverse activities, including laying mulch film in Hebei, harvesting vegetables like celery and radishes in multiple provinces, and transporting oranges in Hunan. . .
China Reports Record Grain Yields Amid Environmental Challenges: 13 Nov: China has achieved a new high in grain production this year, despite facing floods and droughts in key agricultural regions. . . .
New Agricultural Heritage Sites: 11 Nov: The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has recognized three new sites in China as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS). . . .
Making Moon Soil Fertile for Agriculture: 9 Nov: Scientists have developed a method to make lunar soil fertile for agriculture, a key step for sustainable living on the moon. . .
Pioneering 'Deforestation-Free' Soybean Deal: 8 Nov: China's COFCO International and Modern Farming Group have signed a significant $30 million deal to import soybeans from sustainable, deforestation-free zones in Brazil. . . .
More from China seed industry news
IndiaClimate-Resilient Agriculture to be Showcased at COP28
At the upcoming COP28, India is set to showcase its significant strides in combating the adverse impacts of climate change on agriculture. . . .
Wheat Planting Stagnates Amid Environmental Challenges: 23 Nov: India's wheat planting is expected to remain stagnant due to lower soil moisture and potential high temperatures, leading some farmers to switch to crops like sorghum. . . .
India Sets Record for Soybean Production: 11 Nov: India has achieved record production levels for soybeans and rapeseed in the 2022-23 marketing year, according to a report from the Foreign Agricultural Service of the USDA. . . .
Cauvery Delta Districts Receive Welcome Rainfall: 9 Nov: Farmers in the Cauvery delta districts of India received much-needed rainfall. . . .
Protein-Rich Paddy Shows Promise in Odisha: 8 Nov: Farmers in Odisha's Koraput and Nabarangpur districts are seeing successful yields from protein and zinc-rich paddy varieties, CR-Dhan-311 and CR-Dhar-411, developed by the National Rice Research Institute. . . .
Funding for SHGs Announced at World Food India 2023: 3 Nov: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a seed capital program of approximately $47.5 million USD for over 100,000 Self Help Group members at 'World Food India 2023', emphasizing India's growing food processing sector. . . .
More from India seed industry news
IndonesiaFood Crop Planting to Counter El Nino-Driven Imports: 23 Nov: The Indonesian Agriculture Ministry is focusing on increasing the production of national strategic commodities to reduce imports caused by the El Nino phenomenon. . . .
Millets Championed as a Sustainable Carb Source: 23 Nov: The National Food Agency (Bapanas) is promoting the cultivation and consumption of millets as an alternative carbohydrate source to rice. . . .
Technological Revolution in Agriculture Underway: 6 Nov: Indonesia is actively transforming its agricultural system from traditional methods to modern practices according to Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman. . . .
Indonesia Aims to Become World Food Barn by 2028: 3 Nov: Indonesia's Agriculture Minister has expressed optimism about transforming the country into the world's food barn by 2028. . . .
More from Indonesia seed industry news
JapanAI Robots Transforming Japanese Agriculture: 14 Nov: Smart agriculture is gaining momentum as AI-equipped robots are increasingly used to address severe labor shortages in the agricultural sector. . . .
Agricultural Exports Surpass ¥1 Trillion in Record Time: 8 Nov: Japan's exports of agricultural, forestry, fishery products, and other food items have surpassed ¥1 trillion in the first nine months of 2023. . .
Embracing 5G Technology for Smarter Farming: 1 Nov: Japan is experiencing a significant transformation in its agricultural sector, driven by the integration of 5G technology to address the challenges of an aging labor force and declining population. . . .
More from Japan seed industry news
MalaysiaSoil Health Key to Sustainable Agriculture: 21 Nov: A significant soil health crisis is underway, with about a third of global soils degraded and the risk of losing arable land within six decades. . . .
Padi Seed Supply and Pricing Issues: 15 Nov: Malaysia's Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has directed agencies and padi seed manufacturers to address delays and overpricing in seed supply. . .
White Rice Shortage Looming: 11 Nov: Malaysia is on the brink of a severe white rice shortage within five months, primarily due to unpredictable weather and the high cost of padi seeds. . . .
More from Malaysia seed industry news
NepalA Holistic Farming Approach in Kathmandu: 25 Nov: A foundation in Kathmandu has created a sustainable and organic farming oasis. . . .
Maize Farmers Envision Profitable Future: 9 Nov: Maize farmers in midwestern Nepal are planning to expand their cropping due to strengthened connections with grain buyers, facilitated by the Nepal Seed and Fertilizer Project. . .
Nepal and South Korea Sign Cooperation MoU: 2 Nov: Nepal and South Korea have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the agricultural sector. . . .
More from Malaysia seed industry news
Pakistan
APTMA and BCI Collaborate for Sustainable Cotton: 25 Nov: The All-Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) Cotton Foundation and the Better Cotton Initiative Pakistan (BCI) have signed an MoU to enhance sustainable cotton production in Pakistan. . . .
Certified Seeds Key to Agricultural Growth in Pakistan: 20 Nov: Shahzad Ali Malik, Chairman of the Pakistan Hitch Hybrid Seed Association (PHHSA), emphasized the critical role of certified, particularly hybrid, seeds in sustainable agricultural production. . . .
MoU Signed for Climate-Resilient Agriculture: 19 Nov: The Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) and the Food Security and Agriculture Center of Excellence (FACE) of Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to tackle agricultural challenges posed by climate change and enhance food security. . . .
More from Pakistan seed industry news
PhilippinesIlocos Norte Office Worker Succeeds in Agribusiness: 24 Nov: Macon Marcelino Dawey, a former financial worker, has successfully transitioned to agriculture, establishing the Dawey Integrated Farm in Ilocos Norte, Philippines. . . .
Sugar Crop Stocks Lower Than Expected: 23 Nov: The Philippines is projected to close the 2023-2024 sugar crop year with a lower stock than initially expected, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). . . .
Rice Importation Remains Steady: 2 Nov: Despite global supply challenges and the threat of El Niño, rice importation in the Philippines has remained steady, according to the Bureau of Customs (BOC). . . .
More from Philippines seed industry news
ThailandDrone Project Launched to Boost Agricultural Productivity: 14 Nov: The Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Prasert Jantararuangtong, announced the deployment of hundreds of agricultural drones in 500 local communities to enhance farmers' efficiency and productivity. . . .
Green Climate Fund Project Set for Launch: 7 Nov: A five-year Thai Rice Green Climate Fund (GCF) project is set to benefit over 250,000 smallholder farmers in Thailand while reducing emissions in the agricultural sector by 2.4 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. . .
Sugar Industry Faces Challenges: 1 Nov: The sugar industry is facing challenges as prospects for the sugar crop deteriorate, with production expected to drop to 7-8 million tons in 2023-24, down from 11 million tons in the previous crop. . .
More from Turkiye seed industry news
VietnamScience Day Promotes Food Security Research: 22 Nov: The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) co-organized the inaugural CGIAR Science Day in Vietnam, focusing on advancing science for food security through collaborative initiatives. . . .
Vietnam and Denmark Collaborate on Green Agriculture: 22 Nov: Officials, experts, and businesses from Vietnam and Denmark gathered in Ho Chi Minh City for a seminar on the application of technology and solutions in green agriculture and food production. . . .
Challenges in Emissions-Reducing Rice Program: 15 Nov: In Vietnam, farmers participating in the Vietnam Sustainable Agriculture Transformation Project (VnSAT), aimed at reducing methane emissions from rice cultivation, are facing challenges and disappointment. . . .
Embracing High-Tech Agriculture: 14 Nov: Tây Ninh Province in Vietnam is actively promoting high-tech agriculture to enhance the value of its agricultural products and ensure sustainable development. . . .
More from Vietnam seed industry news
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As part of APSA’s sustained digitalization and digitization efforts, in 2023 we’re offering active members even more ways to directly reach Asia-Pacific seed industry decision makers -- in their inbox, on their desktop PCs, laptops, smartphone, tablets, and phablets alike, through our exciting new affiliate, sponsorship, marketing, communication, advertising and publicity opportunities.
We are pleased to announce our 2023 Digital Media Sponsorship Rates and Media Kit:
Don’t hesitate, INQUIRE NOW!
Email: (komsak@apsaseed.org) or Mike (mike@apsaseed.org)
Asian Seed magazine Vol. 29 No.4 (Quarter 4, October - December 2023)
No password required
Volume 29, Issue four of Asian Seed & Planting Material is our annual Congress edition; therefore the content is richly themed around the 2023 Asian Seed Congress hosts, New Zealand. Starting with an address from APSA President Dr. Manish Patel, who reiterates the importance of enabling seed business and trade, a special international news section from Seed World and a round-up of seed industry news from earlier in the year; the issue features a comprehensive vegetable seed trade report covering the export and import of vegetable seeds to and from Asia-Pacific countries. It also features an overview of seed trade for the ASC hosts New Zealand, covering the trade of various types of vegetable, forage and field crop seeds. There is an exclusive interview with the president of the New Zealand Grain and Seed Trade Association president Mrs Charlotte Connoley about her countries challenges and opportunities, which is also addressed from the government sector’s Ministry for Primary Industries.
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